Data Map

Arctic sea ice cover melted to its lowest extent in the satellite record this year, breaking the previous record low observed in 2007.

The melting season does not seem to be over yet as the temperatures still show record high.

During the 5th expedition of the Snow Dragon, the sea ice extent was measured seven times to show the most accurate picture of current conditions in the Arctic.

The samples of the sea ice were taken during the expedition as well as other types of measurements with regards to Arctic weather conditions, seabed area and various geophysical conditions of the High Arctic.

The samples of all kinds were taken to the laboratories on board the Xue Long and will be processed by the Chinese scientific teams.

Now the Snow Dragon has been followed by Japanese aircraft and U.S helicopter. Since this morning it has been heading towards China, crossing the strait between Hokkaido and Honshu. The vessel is expected to be arriving in Shanghai at the end of the month.